What is a chemical peel?
A chemical peel is a technique used to improve the looks of the skin on the face, neck or hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new, regenerated skin is typically smoother and fewer wrinkled than the old skin. The new skin is additionally temporarily more sensitive to the sun. There are three basic sorts of chemical peels:
Superficial or lunchtime peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is employed to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to softly exfoliate it. The treatment is employed to enhance the looks of mild skin discoloration and rough skin also on refresh the face, neck, chest or hands.
Medium peel: Glycolic or trichloracetic acid is applied to penetrate the out and middle layers of skin to get rid of damaged skin cells. The treatment is employed to enhance age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration. It can also be wont to smooth rough skin and treat some precancerous skin growths.
Deep peel: trichloracetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the center layer of skin to get rid of damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. Patients will see a dramatic improvement in skin appearance. The procedure is employed on the face and only are often performed once.
What are the complications or potential side effects of a chemical peel?
- Temporary or permanent change in complexion , particularly for ladies on contraception pills, who subsequently become pregnant or have a history of brownish facial discoloration.
- Scarring
- Reactivation of cold sores
What am i able to expect after having a chemical peel?
All peels require some follow-up care:
- Superficial peels require one to seven days to heal. Treated skin will initially be red and should scale. Lotion or cream should be applied until the skin heals, followed by daily use of sunscreen. Makeup can usually be worn subsequent day.
- Medium peels require seven to 14 days to heal. Treated skin will initially be red and swollen. Swelling worsens for the primary 48 hours. Eyelids may swell shut. Blisters may form and break. Skin crusts and peels off in seven to 14 days. Skin must be soaked daily for a specified period, followed by ointment application. Antiviral medication is taken for 10 to 14 days. Mild lotion or cream could also be applied. Avoid all sun exposure until healing is complete. Camouflage makeup could also be worn after five to seven days. A follow-up appointment are going to be necessary to watch progress.
- Deep peels require 14 to 21 days to heal. The treated area are going to be bandaged. Skin must be soaked four to 6 times daily, followed by ointment application for the primary 14 days. Afterwards a thick moisturizer is applied for subsequent 14 days. Antiviral medication is taken for 10 to 14 days. Mild lotion or cream could also be applied. Avoid all sun exposure for 3 to 6 months. Camouflage makeup could also be worn after 14 days. Several follow-up appointments are going to be necessary to watch progress.
Sun exposure and smoking after a chemical peel must be avoided because they will cause unwanted side effects, including infection and scarring.